The Islamic group Hamas announced on Friday that it released two American hostages. It issued a statement on social media, saying it set free a mother and her daughter "for humanitarian reasons."

The statement said the decision followed efforts by negotiators from Qatar. US officials have confirmed the release.

Hamas militants have been holding more than 200 hostages since launching an attack on Israel two weeks ago. They abducted people from all walks of life, including soldiers, civilians and foreigners.

US President Joe Biden said his administration is "pursuing every avenue" to bring Americans home. He is also pushing Congress to provide Israel with 14 billion dollars to "sharpen" its "military edge."

Biden also said he is concerned over the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian civilians there are running out of food, water and medicine, but aid trucks have been stalled at a border crossing with Egypt.

Biden said Israeli and Egyptian leaders have promised to open the crossing, but that roads damaged by the fighting need to be repaved. He said the first 20 trucks should be able to get through as soon as this weekend.

Officials at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs have additional concerns. They held a news conference on Friday in Geneva, saying Israel is hampering deliveries of fuel that are needed to keep hospitals up and running. They are continuing negotiations for what they call a "live-saving commodity."